A bicycle rental scheme in Belfast recorded 51,800 rentals between September and March. This marks a drop of more than 25% from nearly 69,500 rentals in the same period the previous year.

The scheme relaunched last September under Beryl operations. It added e-bikes to the fleet of pedal bikes. Year-long membership now costs £120.

Belfast City Council described the figures as reflecting a transition period. Bike numbers decreased during initial installation. Users needed to register new accounts via the Beryl app.

The council noted steady growth in new sign-ups. Rentals rose last month compared to March the year before. It anticipates further increases ahead.

E-bikes proved more popular than pedal bikes in the period. Nearly 29,900 e-bike rentals occurred against just over 21,900 for pedal bikes.

Meg Hoyt of Belfast Cycle Campaign stated the price change impacted numbers short-term. She called for affordable access and better cycling infrastructure.

Green Party councillor Brian Smyth said the scheme requires time to stabilize. He urged the Department for Infrastructure to promote cycling and active travel.

Anne Madden of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust pointed to infrastructure gaps and safety issues as barriers. She noted surveys show most users are men.